Skipping days

Heseemsok wrote: He was diagnosed 'borderline' ADHD, but has such a hard time focusing in school, it seemed best to try meds.  He's been on them for 2 weeks now.  He does seem to be focusing better.  His doctor said it's OK to skip pills (Adderall), but his Special Ed teacher said it should not be done

Whether you give you child meds every day or not, stimulant medications flush out of the system not too long after the effectiveness wears off. Therefore, as long as meds are given and taken as precribed, there is no threat of addiction. An ADHD diagnosis is inclusive of 3 subtypes so either the child has it or they dont. Subtypes include, Inattentive, Hyperactive/Impulsive or a combination of all three. Every parent knows their own child so your decision is a very personal one. My child was diagnosed with the combined type so taking him off meds on the weekend hightened the risk of danger as he would impulsively dart out into the street, throw rocks at cars and do so many impulsive things that it became a quality of life issue for him. Taking him off meds would cause more turmoil and create a serious risk of him getting badly hurt or worse because his ADHD didnt go away on weekends or on days off from school. Again, such a decision is very individual because as the parent you have to decide whether the quality of your childs life is better on or off meds when they are not in school. My child is now almost 18 and has been off medication for 3 years. Ive seen no long term effects and the quality of his life at this point is nothing short of remarkable. While life in general is more of a struggle for him, the decisions I made were the best ones for my child and feel confident that you will make the right decisions as well as you go along for your child

ADHD  Testing isn't a science, so I can't agree that 'a child has it or they don't'.  There's probably 1 million other things that he can have. 

ADHD testing is not a science but if the child doesnt meet the full diagnostic criteria for ADHD, it is considered questionable and therefore it is wise that your considering alternative methods of treating your childs inattentive behavior in school as well as working with your childs doctors. Your correct in saying that the child could have one million other things so the child could be borderline anything as many behaviors can mimic ADHD and many other disorders.. If the child isnt displaying the same behaviors in two setting....ie........home and school, a diagnosis of adhd is indeed questionble My son met the enitre criteria for ADHD so in my sons case, him constantly being called lazy, stupid, air headed, etc was a far worse label than ADHD. There is a really good book out called Shadows Syndrome by John J MD Ratney which is very informative in terms of explaining behaviors and symptoms that might look like a certain disorder but arent. Good luck with your child and as the parent, you know whats best

I am sooo worried about the long term effect of ADHD drugs on my 6 year old.  He was diagnosed 'borderline' ADHD, but has such a hard time focusing in school, it seemed best to try meds.  He's been on them for 2 weeks now.  He does seem to be focusing better.  His doctor said it's OK to skip pills (Adderall), but his Special Ed teacher said it should not be done.  He's on the lowest does, I believe it's 5 mg.  I have noticed, however, that he cries just about every day now over little things.

Meds can cause emotionality including irritability and even sleeplisness. Listen to your doctor! Some meds you do not have to take consistently to build up - like Adderall. My doctor only wants my son to take his Adderall (regular 30mg) on school days. Adderall does not have to build up in your blood stream to become effective. It is as effective today as it will be two days from now. It is a stimulant. Meds like Strattera need to be taken daily.